He places a hand on the small of my back and guides me over to a working station. I shift from his touch, he’s friendly by nature I guess but I hope he gets the hint. “First step. Always wash your hands when you enter the kitchen.” He turns the water on. “After you touch anything, you always wash your hands.” He checks the temperature.
I do as instructed.
Avery shakes his head. “You need a better lather. Here, let me help.” He reaches out, bringing his hands under the water, and rubs the soap up and down my arms.
I instinctively pull away, a little uncomfortable with that type of hands on learning. I don’t want to think too much on it, I’m sure he’s just a nice man who gets excited about baking.
The day goes by fast, as I learn everything about the kitchen as well as a new technique on kneading dough.
“I know you just started, but as you can tell by the oven, we are in need of upgrades. A company is coming in over the week to install new appliances.” He smiles.
I can tell how excited he is. Everything looks beautiful and new in the polished kitchen, but it takes thirty minutes to start and preheat the oven. That won’t do when we are busy.
“That’s awesome. I bet you’ll love having it preheat quickly. So, when will I come back?”
“Friday.” He decides after a while.
We continue to work until my hands are sore from kneading dough.
When I slide into the back of the SUV and check my phone, there’s one text from Aiden.
I’ll be home late. Don’t wait up for me.
Again?
Wonderful.
Twenty-One
It’s Saturday night and I’m sitting alone on the couch, waiting for Aiden to get home. Howard is at the kitchen table, deep in work on the laptop and quiet as usual. The elevator dings and Ashley burst through the apartment.
I’m happy but my body sighs, I really miss Aiden.
She rolls her eyes as she stands in front of the couch. “Hoping I was someone else?”
I shake my head and feign a bright smile. “Aiden’s just been busy. But I miss you too! Come sit so we can catch up.” I pat the couch.
A sinister smile takes over her features.
I instantly shake my head, taking her in. Hair done, make up perfect, short dress on. Oh no.
“No club,” I warn her.
She grabs my wrist, pulling me towards the bedroom to change. “No clubs. Ricky’s throwing a party. Come on!”
An idea pops into my head. I want Aiden’s attention. I’m too chicken to tell him that. He’s busy with work while trying to keep us safe with the new apartment and all. But I miss him.
If Ricky or Howard tells him that I’m at a party, he will come.
Bingo.
“That one.” I say as Ashley flings clothes out from the closet.
She nods in agreement before tossing it to me. It’s a silver party dress, the back and front are both cut low. If I want to catch Aiden’s attention, this is the dress to do just that.
Ashley pokes Howard’s chest when we step out of the bedroom, all dolled up. “Listen here, buddy.” She snickers as she tries to be serious. “We’re going to Ricky’s. You call my brother and you’ll have to deal with me.”
For the first time, I see a smile form on Howard’s face.
He looks over to Ashley’s bodyguard and nods, “I’ll drive the girls.”
∞∞∞
The party is more packed then I had expected. Music blares throughout the large, upscale apartment and there are people everywhere, all dressed nicely. I’m glad Ash is somewhere safe and, from the looks of Ricky pouring drinks on the bar top, they party the same way too.
I watch as Ashley’s smile brightens when he catches her eye. So cute!
I rest my elbow on the bar top. He still hasn’t seen me because he’s too busy eyeing Ash. I love it.
He hands her a drink and pours one for himself.
Needing liquid courage, I grab it from his hands, which makes Ashley laugh. His eyes snaps to me before widening.
“Hey Ricky!” I greet with a sly smile.
He stares at me as though I’m an alien in his apartment. He gives me one long drawn out “hey”, before turning and pulling out his phone.
Updating Aiden, I’m sure.
Just as I planned.
Aiden
∞∞∞
I’m drowning in a mound of paperwork. None of the people I interviewed even came close to earning my trust.
I wish Emilia would have just taken the job. But I get it, she’s following her passion. I just wish she’d go to culinary school where she can go somewhere with it. Working in the pastry shop can only do so much. But as long as she’s happy, it’s whatever.
I’ve been waiting for her to tell me about Avery. Hasn’t she realized I’ve done an extensive background check on her boss and all his employees?
Fuck. I want to be mad at her, but she’s trying to prove that she can handle it herself. I’ll lie low until she needs me.
My phone buzzes against the hardwood. My tired eyes watch as it vibrates on the mahogany before I grab it.
A text from Ricky.
I laugh as I read it.
Hey man, Em’s at my party.
I don’t believe it for a second. She would have called me.
He sends me a picture of Emma standing by the counter, a glass of wine in her hand. But that’s not what makes me leave my office immediately. Her dress is cut so low, I can see her delicate back and curves way too easily.
Fuck stopping by the house to change. Guess I’m going to Ricky’s party in a suit.
It takes me a few minutes to arrive.
I push my way through the crowd. That’s when I see her sitting cross legged on a bar stool. The amount of men surrounding her makes my fist clench. It takes everything in me not to pull up the front of her dress to hide her
